What do you think of my first track plan for N gauge - inspiration from Sunset Valley Railroad 1970's

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

I agree with Chuck on the donut!  Not knowing your space, I can't say how I'd do it, but if you can avoid it, do so! 

[tomikawaTT]

Definitely a 1960-70 design.  You've already identified the way to a cure.

If you can, get away from the donut shape and allow yourself a way in that won't require a low stoop under potential head-thumpers.  (Or, alternatively, arrange a narrow spot that can become a swing gate or equivalent)  This is influenced by the fact that I am about as flexible as a concrete power pole - if you are a gymnast or limbo dancer, disregard.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on a walk-in layout)

[livethedream]

Wise words indeed....

Why didn't I read spacemouse's click Space Mouse's Beginner's Guide to Layout Design before I bought my engines etc...lol I think you wrote that about me.....

Great tips and I am definately more focused on what I want after reading it, I'll hopefully post you copies of my next plan for you to peruse over in the next week or two.

 

many thanks all - especially Spacemouse.

Darren

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

You've got a nice space for N scale.  I highly recommend John Armstrongs "Track Planning for Realistic Operations".  I'd also get ahold of one or two the layout compilation books with his designs.  There are a lot of ideas to be had there.  Also, click the lick in SpaceMouse's signature.

[livethedream]

Looking at it with your views - I made more of a "toy train layout" didn't I ?

Oh well back to the drawing board!!!

 Hope you don't mind me posting for your constructive comments......

Cheers Darren

[livethedream]

Yes I see your point, do you think I would be better making a shelf layout that would wind around the walls of my garage maybe three times like a screw thread with a journey in mind? taking loco's to different industries etc....

cheers

Darren

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

I agree with mouse, part of the beauty of N scale is open space, not spaghetti.  Having more than one way to get to the same place makes places that you want to appear far apart seem close together.

The turntable and roundhouse should be supplying engines to the yard, to pull trains out, I don't see that.

 

Also, look out for longs reaches.  Can you reach the back left corner, specifically?

[SpaceMouse]

I like the overall plan, but I don't like the redunancy. Having extra tracks going to the same  place, decreases the believabilty of the scenery. It does not increase either operational or railfan variety to have the same train running 3-4 inches from where it was before. Use the space to increase the beauty of the scene, so that when the train does run through, you enjoy it more.  

[livethedream]

hows it look?

kind regards

Darren